Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta met at RISD studying Sculpture and Textile design, respectively; that skill set combination is seemingly ideal. They earned their stripes at such places as Marc Jacobs, Opening Ceremony and Ohne Titel upon graduation, and are now giving their own brand of avant garde cool structure in Williamsburg. Take a dip into their world via the Fall 2012 collection.

Mary Alice Stephenson wears a lot of hats!  Her Facebook followers are in the five figures, she is a media go-to for her red carpet commentating and heart-filled fashion segments, a world renown stylist who has styled for icons such as Avedon, Hiro, Demarchelier, Lindbergh and Richardson as well as serving as a brand ambassador and spokesperson for many Fortune 500 brands.   Oh, and we can’t forget to mention how cool it is that she and Barbie are talking fashion in her “dream” closet for BarbieWow.com next week, while still making time to be the national fashion ambassador for the Make a Wish Foundation.  She gives her time and love for fashion to many charitable organizations all while being a single mom.  She’s our new hero and we think soon to be yours, too!

As a fashion consultant, you get to do something different every day- which days are you favorite?

Every day is different and I love it that way!  It’s such a mix — from red carpet commentating to consulting behind the scenes for Fortune 500 companies, to creative directing, to styling editorial shoots with top photographers. Each week it’s high fashion to mass fashion, it keeps me happy to be in both worlds!  I can reach so many real women all over the world via social media, my followers love that they can get a look into the real world of fashion and learn how they can apply that glamour to their lives in a realistic way.  One day I’m shooting for a European Vogue, doing a fashion segment for the Nate Berkus show or styling a supermodel for Estee Lauder and the next day I could be helping real women get their glam on in a mall in middle America!

Who are young designers that we should be looking to for the future of fashion?

I just had lunch with the talented designers of Cushnie et Ochs, I try to support as many up and coming designers as possible.  I know how tough this business can be and how much support they need to make it.   I love Flora and Alexa from Ohne Titel, Juan Carlos Obando, Joseph Altruzara, Christian Cota, Suno, Frank Tell….  There is so much talent out there right now.  I try to shoot their clothes, or get them on the red carpet as well as talk about their clothes in the media to help get their point of view out to mass America.  The American public needs to know there are more options than just the big brands that can afford to advertise.  It’s still a struggle, for example, there were a wide range of luxury brands seen on the Golden Globe red carpet but where were Erdem, Prabal Gurung, Thakoon, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler?  I was happy to see Givenchy, Nina Ricci and Jason Wu, though —  so that is some progress!

For the rest of the interview, click on over to LOOKBOOKS.com!

The Fashion Fund, created by the CFDA and Vogue to aid young and emerging designers, includes a mentorship program and a cash prize. Altuzarra took home $300,000 while runners-up Pamela Love of Pamela Love Jewelry and Shane Gabier and Chris Peters of Creatures of the Wind walked away with $100,000 each.

Those that went home empty-handed were Suno’s Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis; Carlos Campos; Antonio Azzuolo of A.A. Antonio Azzuolo; Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs of Cushnie et Ochs; Ohne Titel’s Alexa Adams and Flora Gill; Fenton/Fallon’s Dana Lorenz, and Soraya Silchenstedt of Finn Jewelry.

This year’s selection committee included Vogue’s editrix-in-chic Anna Wintour, CFDA prez Diane von Furstenberg and CEO Steven Kolb, Theory‘s Andrew Rosen, Coach‘s Reed Krakoff, J. Crew‘s Jenna Lyons, and past Fund winners — Proenza Schouler‘s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. [WWD]

Why do you love it? 

I love the “caught in the moment” mood and the memories of working with such a lovely team of people that day.

Who took it?

Johan Sandberg (Artlist).

What were you thinking when it was taken?

“Think warm thoughts, think warm thoughts!” as the freezing cold Parisian temperatures chilled my bones.

How were you discovered?

The partner of a fashion designer told me I should go to a modelling agency. So I did — in Melbourne, Australia.

What’s your biggest challenge as a model?

Being thousands of miles away from my boyfriend and family for such long periods of time.

For more Model Musings, visit Lookbooks.com!

Sam‘s Faves

Prabal/Style.com

- Ralph Lauren: “For the ostrich feather boas.”

- Diane von Furstenberg: For handing out little American flags in honor of 9/11 and for making an outfit that anyone could wear.

- Prabal Gurung: “For using one print 100 ways, and also for clever cutouts.”

- 3.1 Phillip Lim: ”For his tasty sherbert color palette.”

- The Row: “For dressing the old ladies that the Olsen twins were born to be.”

Milk is now represented by Creative Artists Agency and has brought on Lexus and American Express as sponsors in addition to original partner MAC Cosmetics.  This partnership has also gone through some changes and beginning this Fashion Week MAC & Milk shows will be under the name of Made.

Lincoln Center on the other hand has IMG, Mercedes-Benz and Maybelline, as well as AmEx with MAC also providing make-up for many a MBFW show.

While Made focuses on emerging designers and does not charge to rent their space — MAC is the exclusive make-up provider leaving models and music on the bill — Lincoln Center caters to more high-profile designers, who in addition to paying for the venue also have to dig deep for models, hair, music and makeup. And these are just a few of the differences:

Number of Shows:

Made – 35

MBFW – 98 (81 on-site, 17 off)

Sponsors:

Made – MAC, American Express and Lexus

MBFW - DHL, Maybelline New York, American Express, TRESemmé, W Hotels Worldwide, Fiber One Bars, ideeli, Fiji Water, AriZona Beverages

Designers:

Made - Sophie Theallet, Cushnie Et Ochs, Peter Som, Erin by Erin Fetherston, Billy Reid, Simon Spurr, Ohne Titel, Jeremy Scott, Nahm

MBFW - BCBG Max Azria, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Lam, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Tory Burch, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Diesel, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, J.Mendel, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Elie Tahari

With Fashion Week just around the corner and all those sponsorship dollars, designer reputations and AmEx black cards floating around, the stage is set for a good ole-fashioned walk-off between Milk Studios and Lincoln Center. [WWD]

Anna Wintour and her flock of the fabulous have meticulously the selected 10 designers (and design duos) in the running for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Last year, Billy Reid took the top prize of $300,000, a year of mentorship and a bronze trophy. The two runners-up Prabal Gurung and Eddie Borgo each took home $100,000 and a year of mentoring. This year, the judges are Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler (who join the committee for the first time this year), Mark Holgate of Vogue, Jeffrey Kalinsky of Jeffrey and Nordstrom, Steven Kolb of the CFDA, Reed Krakoff of Coach, Jenna Lyons of J.Crew, Andrew Rosen of Theory, Diane von Furstenberg of the CFDA, and of course the Queen herself, Anna Wintour of Vogue.

See all the of nominees here:

A. A., Antonio Azzuolo

NICOLA FORMICHETTI – BOFFO Building Fashion 2011 from V Magazine on Vimeo.

Among the other fashion visionaries working with BOFFO are American jewelry designer and celebrity favorite Irene Neuwirth; 2011 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year nominee Patrik Ervell; winners of the 2011 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award for Womenswear, lingerie label The Lake & Stars; and 2009 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalists Ohne Titel.

From May 19th- July 4th BOFFO will conduct a worldwide competition in partnership with Architizer in search of world-class architects to pair with these innovative fashion designers. Architects are asked to submit design proposals expressing their vision of a retail space for their fashion designer of choice.

Winners will be awarded $20,000 to build and install their installation.

The 2011 BOFFO Building Fashion Schedule:

- Nicola Formichetti | September 1-14

- Irene Neuwirth | September 22-October 5

- Patrik Ervell | October 13-26

- The Lake & Stars | November 3-16

- Ohne Titel | December 1-14

Throughout Fall 2011, you can visit the amazing architectural transformations taking place at the BOFFO Building Fashion Tribeca location generously donated by Mody Lipkis with the assistance of commercial brokerage firm Lansco. [Vimeo]

This year, the project investigates the nature of childhood memories and the influence of adolescence on identity. It features unisex fragrances from designers Alexis Mabille, Mary Katrantzou, Junn.J, Rad Hourani, N.Hoolywood and Ohne Titel in collaboration with perfumers from Givaudan.

“We choose the rising stars of the fashion industry who will one day be big enough to have their own fragrance but who are too small to have it just yet. So we steal from the future and offer it now.” – Joseph Quartana, Six Scents Parfums Co-Founder & Collection Curator.

Can’t wait to check these out!

NOTE: * = Designer Presentation / ** Not in Lincoln Center (addresses for off-site shows below)

THURSDAY | September 9th
9AM – Nicholas K, Studio
10AM – Project Runway, Theatre
10:30Am – Toni Maticevski, Box*
11AM – Richard Chai, Stage
12PM – Vena Cava** / Anne Bowen**
1PM – Ruffian, Studio
2PM – Christian Siriano, Stage / Bensoni, Box*
3PM – Parkchoonmoo**
5PM – Rachel Comey* *
6PM – Farah Angsana, Studio / VERRIER, Box*
7PM – Concept Korea, Theatre / Mandy Coon**
9PM – Richie Rich, Studio / Kate Spade**

FRIDAY | September 10th
9AM – Peter Som **
9:30AM – Tadashi Shoji, Box*
10AM – BCBGMAXAZRIA, Theatre
11AM – Duckie Brown, Stage / Rag & Bones**
12PM Michael Angel, Studio
1PM – Jason Wu**
1:30PM – Buckler, Box*
2PM – EDITION Georges Chakra, Stage
3PM – Ports 1961, Theatre / 3.1 Phillip Lim** / Frank Tell** / Jeremy Liang**
4PM – Alexander Berardi, Studio / Doo.Ri**
5PM – Nicole Miller** / Risto**/ Rag & Bone**
6 – 10PM Fashion’s Night Out
8PM – Academy of Art University, Theatre

SATURDAY | September 11th
9:30AM -Yuna Yang**
10AM – Lacoste, Theatre
10:30AM – Binetti, Box*
11 AM – Cynthia Rowley, Stage
12PM – Ohne Titel**, Exit Art / Jill Stuart** / Loden Dager**
1PM – Prabal Gurung, Studio
2PM – ADAM, Stage
2:30PM – Yoana Baraschi, Box*
3PM – Vivienne Tam, Theatre / Patrik Ervell**, Milk / Leifsdottir**
4PM – Mik Cire, Studio / Philosophy**
5PM – Alexander Wang**, Milk
6PM – Charlotte Ronson, Stage / Band of Outsiders**
7PM – Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Theatre / Alice + Olivia** / Gary Graham**, Milk
8PM – Altuzarra**, Milk
9PM – Venexiana, Studio

SUNDAY | September 12th
9AM – Victoria Beckham
10AM Derek Lam, Stage
10:30AM – Timo Weiland, Box*
11AM – Lela Rose, Studio / Simon Spurr**, Exit Art / Preen**
1PM – DKNY**
2PM – Rebecca Taylor, Studio
2:30PM – Rebecca Minkoff, Box*
3PM РHerv̩ L̩ger by Max Azria, Stage
4PM – Diane von Furstenberg, Theatre
5PM – Trias, Studio / Y-3**, Park Avenue Armory / Cynthia Steffe**
6PM – Thakoon**
6:30PM – Global Glam Collection, Box*
7PM – Custo Barcelona, Stage / Erin Fetherston**
8PM – Tommy Hilfiger, Theatre
9PM – Vassilios Kostetsos, Studio

MONDAY | September 13th
8:30AM – William Tempest, Box*
9AM – Jenny Packham, Studio
10AM – Carolina Herrera, Theatre
11AM – Carlos Miele, Stage / Zero + Maria Cornejo**, Hosfelt Gallery
12PM – Diesel Black Gold**
1PM – Tracy Reese, Studio / WAYNE**
2PM – Donna Karan Collection**
2:30PM – TONYCOHEN, Box*
3PM – Monique Lhuillier, Stage / Rad by Rad Hourani**
4PM – Yeohlee** / Temperley**
5PM – Herchcovitch;Alexandre, Studio / Devi Kroell**
6PM – Betsey Johnson, Theatre / Longchamp** / Halston** / Michael Bastian**, Exit Art / Chado Ralph Rucci**
7PM – Perry Ellis, Stage
8PM – Marc Jacobs**

TUESDAY | September 14th
9AM – Elie Tahari, Studio / Rachel Roy**, NY Public Library for Performing Arts
9:30AM РMonique P̩an, Box*
10AM – Badgley Mischka, Theatre / Karen Walker**
11AM – Vera Wang, Stage
12PM – Rodarte** / Complex Geometries**
1PM – Rosa Cha, Studio / Mulberry**
1:30PM – Bibhu Mohapatra, Box*
2PM – Max Azria, Theatre
3PM – Dennis Basso, Stage / Mullberry**
4PM Marc by Marc Jacobs**
5PM – The Row**
6PM – Luca Luca, Studio / Sophie Theallet** / Odyn Vovk**
6:30PM – Sophie Theallet, Box*
7PM – Tibi, Stage / G-Star** / Yigal Azrouel**
8PM – Narciso Rodriguez, Theatre
9PM – Toni Francesc, Studio

WEDNESDAY | September 15th
8:30AM – Bill Blass, Box*
9AM – Tory Burch, Studio
10AM – Michael Kors, Theatre
11AM – Nanette Lepore, Stage / Douglas Hannant**
12PM – Oscar de la Renta**
1PM – General Idea, Studio / Adrienne Vittadini, Box* / Jeremy Scott**
2PM – Gottex, Theatre / 3.1 Phillip Lim**/ Yigal Azrouel**
3PM – Milly by Michelle Smith, Stage / Marchesa**
4PM – Reed Krakoff** / DKNY**
5PM – Odd Molly, Studio / Irina Shabayeva**
6PM – Anna Sui, Theatre / L Sabatino**
6:30PM – Mackage, Box*
7PM -  Bryan Reyes**
8PM -  Proezna Schouler**

THURSDAY | September 16th
9AM – Kate Spade**
10AM – Ralph Lauren**
11:30PM – Andy & Debb, Box*
12PM – Isaac Mizrahi, Theatre
1PM – – Davidelfin, Studio / L’Wren Scott**
2PM – Argentina Group Show, Stage / Stephen Burrows**
3PM – Calvin Klein Collection Women’s**
5PM – Elene Cassis**
6PM – J. Mendel, Studio
6:30PM – Rebecca Moses, Box*
7PM – Naeem Khan, Stage
8PM – L.A.M.B., Theatre
9PM – IVANAhelsinki, Studio

———————————–

OTHER LOCATIONS

Altuzarra, Alexander Wang, Billy Reid, Gary Graham, Patrik Ervell | Milk Studios 450 W. 15th St. betw. 9 & 10th Ave. 10011
Anne Bowen | Stone Rose Lounge 10 Columbus Cir., 4th fl., at 58th St. 10023
G-Star | Pier 94 711 12th Ave – 55th St and West Side Highway
Michael Bastian, Ohne Titel, Simon Spurr | Exit Art 475 10th Ave at 36th St.
Odyn Vovk | 87 Lafayette St- White and Lafayette
Rachel Roy | Oenslager Gallery at the NY Public Library for Performing Arts
Y-3 | Park Avenue Armory 643 Park Avenue betw. 66th and 67th St. 10065
Zero + Maria Cornejo | Hosfelt Gallery 531 W 36th Street 10018
Ralph Lauren | Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
Calvin Klein Collection | 205 W 39th St, Ground Floor

Schedule courtesy of PostFashionism

LINK LOVE:NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SCHEDULE | September 2010 Lineup

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Kristin Prim snapped front row at Ohne Titel. Photo by Patrick McMullan for NY Mag.

Kristin Prim photographed outside the Nicole Miller show in a Nicole Miller jacket and dress, Balenciaga bag and shoes, and Ray-Ban sunglasses show on February 12th at Bryant Park.

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: Style

Flora Gill and Alexa Adams of Ohne Titel, German for ‘no title,’ met at Parsons and are greatly inspired by German artist Anselm Keifer. Beyond that, there is nothing Teutonic about them.

Read the interview here.

CESARE PACIOTTI FOR OHNE TITEL

Via Jak & Jil

Honestly, I had not heard of this designer until today, but they have blown me away with their futuristic yet delicate collection for Spring 09. Alexa Adams and Flora Gill started their collection a year ago and have since blown up in stores and on the runway. It seems as though they want to push the envelope with their suiting, yet their knit wear is extraordinary. Hard yet soft, this collection def stands out from all the rest.

Thanks Style.com for the pics